Former Guatemalan police officer arrested as a suspect in a deadly robbery in his home country

Albany, New York - A former Guatemalan police officer, who is wanted by authorities in his home country for homicide and aggravated robbery, stemming from his alleged role in a fatal 2012 holdup in Jutiapa, Guatemala, was arrested Wednesday by officers and special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Kenedy Agileo Pineda-Morales, 41, was arrested by authorities without incident April 13, in Saratoga Springs, New York. A preliminary investigation determined that Pineda-Morales was living under an assumed name in the area. Authorities confirmed his true identity using biometric information and photos.

According to Guatemalan officials, Pineda-Morales, acting in his official capacity as an officer with the Guatemala National Civil Police, allegedly confronted a cattle farmer and his wife in December 2012 at their residence in Jutiapa, Guatemala, where he shot and killed the husband and robbed the couple of 5,000 Quetzales (approximately $650.00 USD). Pineda-Morales was reportedly acting on information that the pair had recently sold a head of cattle. Following the shooting, Pineda-Morales then fled Guatemala to avoid prosecution.

On January 11, 2013, a judge in Guatemala City issued a warrant for Pineda-Morales’ arrest for the offenses of homicide and aggravated robbery.

“Working closely with our federal partners, this arrest exemplifies ICE’s commitment to ensuring dangerous fugitives don’t use the United States as a safe haven from their crimes in other countries,” said Michael Phillips, field office director for ERO Buffalo. “Arrests like this immeasurably enhance public safety.”

ICE issued Pineda-Morales a notice to appear before an immigration judge. He is currently being held in ICE custody without bond.